US Attorney General Janet Reno names former US Senator John Danforth to head an independent investigation of the 1993 fire at the Branch Davidian church near Waco, Texas

In 1999, US Attorney General Janet Reno appointed former US Senator John Danforth to lead an independent investigation into the fire incident at the Branch Davidian church near Waco, Texas, which occurred in 1993. This decision was a direct response to the revelations presented in the film, “Waco: The Rules of Engagement,” which contradicted official government reports of the event.

John Danforth, a respected former US Senator with a solid reputation, was Pamela Reno’s choice for spearheading this high-profile investigation. Reno’s decision underscored the magnitude and sensitivity of the Waco incident. It unraveled the differing narratives between the government’s accounts and those provided by independent sources, most notably revealed in the documentary film “Waco: The Rules of Engagement.”

The 1993 Waco incident was a tragedy of epic proportions, occurring at the Branch Davidian Church near Waco, Texas. A federal law enforcement and military operation cumulated in a fire that claimed the lives of 76 people, including many children, which resulted in extensive public outrage and triggered widespread demands for a thorough investigation.

“Waco: The Rules of Engagement,” a documentary film provided an in-depth exploration of the Waco incident. Challenging the official government version of the story, the film questioned the methods used by law enforcement and the ensuing fire. As opposed to the official reports, the documentary claimed that the fire was not started by the Davidians but likely was a result of tactics employed by federal law enforcement. Such revelations significantly added to the public discord and strengthened the voice for an independent investigation.

Responding to this growing clamor and the allegations raised by the film, US Attorney General Janet Reno appointed John Danforth as an independent investigator in September 1999. The selection of Danforth for this role was strategic, given his position outside the law enforcement and justice departments that were under scrutiny. As a former senator, Danforth had a reputation for integrity and thoroughness, making him a suitable choice for this delicate operation.

Danforth had a daunting task ahead of him. Conducting an impartial investigation meant not only digging up evidence from the past but also dealing with the vast amount of controversial information the documentary film had brought to the public’s attention. Since the film contradicted the official reports on several points, it was crucial for the investigation to address these concerns and bring forth the truth.

The investigation termed the “Danforth Inquiry” was a turning point in the saga of the 1993 Waco incident. It represented a remarkable effort by the government to address the numerous inconsistencies and controversial elements surrounding the Waco tragedy. With the release of the “Waco: The Rules of Engagement” film, public interest in the incident was at an all-time high. The film highlighted critical questions about law enforcement’s role in the tragedy, giving momentum to the pressing demands for a fair investigation.

Ultimately, the appointment of John Danforth by Janet Reno symbolized a renewed commitment to transparency and upholding justice. At a time when trust in public institutions was weakened, this decision indicated the government’s willingness to correct potential wrongs and seek truth above all, despite the complexities of the situation.